Pinterest

What is it?

Pinterest is a social bookmarking site where users collect and share photos of their favorite events, interests and hobbies. One of the fastest growing social networks online, Pinterest is the third largest such network behind only Facebook and Twitter.

Getting Started
Pinterest technically is still open to invited users only. But, you can request an invite at http://www.pinterest.com and one should be sent to you very quickly.

Pin: A pin is an image added to Pinterest. You can link to an image from a Web site or upload an image from your computer. Pins can include captions, like “A great way to reuse a coffee creamer bottle.”

Repin: Once something is pinned, it can then be repinned by other Pinterest users. This is how content spreads virally. If you see something you like on Pinterest.com, repin it to share it with your friends.

Board: This is where your pins live. You can have separate boards for subjects such as a wedding, rooms in your house or favorite recipes.

How to follow: Just like on other social networks, you build a list of people to follow on Pinterest. This will impact what appears on your homepage.

Use the search bar: This is the best way to find specific ideas. Searching something like “mason jars” pulls up nearly limitless craft ideas if you’ve got a basement shelf full. You can also search event themes, such as “first birthday party” for a whole array of ideas.

Working together: You can also allow friends on Pinterest to contribute to one of your boards. This is a great way to plan something like a class reunion or shower with a team of other people. To add a contributor to one of your boards, click to the board’s edit page. There, change the pin setting to “Me + Contributors.” Then, you can add a friend’s name. You must be following at least one of that user’s boards to add them as a contributor and they can decline the request.